The Best 5.1 Receivers On The Market: Top 6 Picks

An excellent audio system is the soul of movies. So if you prefer to receive a great audio experience when watching your favorite movies, you can’t go wrong with the best 5.1 receiver. However, there are hundreds of models floating around on the market, which can give you a headache trying to find something that works best for you.

Denon AVR-S570BT (2022 Model) 5.2 Channel AV Receiver

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The Denon AVR-S570BT is a 5.2 channel AV receiver that comes with a simple, intuitive setup. The remote control is easy to use and has all the necessary buttons for controlling the audio and video experience. The AVR-S570BT also includes an enhanced gaming experience, thanks to its built-in Bluetooth. Additionally, the Denon AVR-S570BT supports up to 8K resolution inputs and outputs with HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dynamic HDR support.

The AVR-S570BT is also compatible with the latest formats such as DTS HD Master and Dolby TrueHD for an immersive audio experience. Finally, the Denon AVR-S570BT comes with a brand new look that is sleek and modern. The front panel is black with a silver Denon logo. The back panel is also black and includes all of the necessary inputs and outputs.

The inluced remote and batteries, AM/FM antennas, wire labels and quick start guide make it easy to get started with the AVR-S570BT. The simple and easy to use controls make it easy to setup and take down. The included items also help minimize outside interference. All of these factors work together to create an exceptional AV receiver that is sure to please.

Specifications:

• Brand: Denon
• Color: Black
• Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, HDMI
• Controller Type: IOS, Android
• Total HDMI Ports: 5
• Surround Sound Channel Configuration: 5.2 Channel
• HDMI eARC support: Yes

YAMAHA RX-V385 5.1-Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver

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The AVR-S660H receiver is a real masterpiece regarding the price-quality ratio. The first factor I noticed is that the size, external layout, and design of its control buttons have not changed compared to Yamaha RX-series receivers.

It is ideal for loyal users of this brand, as it will not take long to get used to the device. The RX-V385 is one entry-level receiver, so its lower front panel is made of plastic, while high-end models, such as CX-A5200, are made from metal. Its on-screen menu is simple, so it is easy to use this model the first time. It supports many USB formats, including WMA, MP3, WAV, and MPEG-4 AAC.

In my experience, enjoying music via the USB port is not attractive due to its meager interface and few functions. All media players with direct audio output through HDMI might cover the missing audio resolutions and formats. In addition, the YAMAHA RX series is ideal for watching movies rather than listening to high-quality audio file formats, meaning the RX-V385 is one of the great options in this regard.

The sound is large-scale, detailed, and clear. Many presets for music and movies are available. If you do not prefer them, you can adjust the sound using a seven-band equalizer with separate low and high-frequency adjustments. Each of the five channels can offer power up to 100 watts at 6 Ohm and go to 75 watts in the stereo mode. I am very sure this value will please any most demandable users.

Marantz NR1510 UHD AV Receiver Slim 5.2 Channel

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The NR1510 receiver is one 5-channel model with a low-profile slim body. It is the best budget home theater receiver with a space-saving design. This form factor will work great with a modern flat-panel TV. One of the highlights of this device is the support for DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD decoders and playback of multichannel audio at high resolution.

This device works well for HEOS wireless multi-room tech and might be integrated into an ecosystem as one hub with ease. Also, this receiver features an integrated Amazon Alexa assistant, allowing you to adjust effortlessly and fast. When I linked my speakers to the NR1510 receiver, I totally relied on the Dynamic EQ technologies, Dynamic Volume, and Audyssey MultEQ system. Hence, the sound was accurate both at high and low frequencies.

Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Receiver

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The Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver is a great piece of equipment for anyone looking to get the most out of their home theater system. Not only does it deliver amazing sound quality, but it also features 360 degree spin technology that gives you an immersive surround sound experience. Additionally, it has five HDMI inputs and one output, which makes it perfect for connecting all of your devices. And with built-in Bluetooth, you can easily stream music or videos from your favorite devices.

The Sony receiver also features a dynamic setup mode that allows you to easily connect four stereo RCA audio inputs. This is perfect for connecting all of your devices, such as a TV, DVD player, and game console. Additionally, it has two digital audio outputs, which makes it perfect for connecting to a soundbar or other audio device. And with a calibration microphone, you can ensure that your sound is always accurate.

The device also features Amazon Alexa Voice Control, which allows you to easily control all of your devices just by speaking into the included microphone. With Alexa Voice Control, you can easily control all of your devices without ever having to leave your seat.

So if you’re looking for an amazing home theater experience, the Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver is the perfect choice for you, with its powerful sound quality, 360 degree spin technology, and Amazon Alexa Voice Control. It has everything you need to take your home theater to the next level.

Specifications:

• Brand: Sony
• Channels: 5.2
• Wattage: 725 Watts (145 watts x 5)
• HDMI Input/Output: 4 in / 1 out w/ HDCP 2.2 support
• Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, HDMI
• Controller Type: Amazon Alexa
• Special Feature: 360 Spin
• Compatible Devices: Television, Speaker
• Remote Control Included: Yes

Onkyo TX-SR393 5.2 Channel A/V Receiver

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The predecessor of this product was the SR-373, so I was curious about how the producer has improved the newer model. The first thing that I noticed is that it is the most affordable product in its lineup. The set of connectors is also one of the noticeable changes. It no longer has a USB port on the front since the manufacturer has moved it to the unit’s rear panel. I do not think it is a severe redesign step.

The most interesting features of this 5.1 receiver are DTS Virtual: X and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualiser. Those technologies can make a 3D sound field with no real height speakers. It sounds fantastic, making this unit perfect for audiophiles. I have checked how well these technologies worked and were satisfied with the result.

The TX-SR393 receiver comes with one output and four HDMI inputs, allowing it to transmit 4K UHD signals, including HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision. This device also features two digital and three analog inputs. However, it lacks component video inputs and outputs.

The Onkyo TX-SR393 is equipped with AccuEQ Room Calibration, a rarity among models in this price range. One of the other pleasant surprises is decoders for HD surround sound forms and modern DACs from Burr-Brown. Overall, the Onkyo TX-SR393 is the perfect device for those on a budget. They are sold at prices that anyone can afford without sacrificing sound quality and performance.

YAMAHA RX-V4A 5.2-Channel AV Receiver

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The Yamaha RX-V4A 5.2-Channel AV Receiver is a beautifully designed piece of equipment. With its sleek, black finish, it will look great in any home theater system. It is also very small and compact, making it easy to install. The Yamaha RX-V4A also features some great enhanced gaming functionality, including Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), QMS, and QFT. This makes it the perfect receiver for gamers who want the best possible gaming experience.

The Yamaha RX-V4A also features Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, as well as Dolby Vision, Hybrid-Log Gamma, and BT.2020 pass-through. This makes it one of the most versatile receivers on the market today. It is also MusicCast multi-room audio and MusicCast Surround capable. This means that you can easily connect it to other MusicCast-enabled devices and create a whole-house audio system.

The device also has voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant devices. This allows you to easily control the receiver with just your voice. You can change settings, play music, and more. The Yamaha RX-V4A is the perfect receiver for anyone who wants the convenience of voice control, especially with Alexa or Google Assistant devices. The HDMI inputs and outputs are also HDCP 2.3 and HDR10 compatible, making it future-proof.

The Yamaha RX-V4A 5.2-Channel AV Receiver is the perfect receiver for anyone looking for great features, design, and performance. It is one of the most versatile receivers on the market and will provide you with years of enjoyment. If you are looking for a top-of-the-line receiver, the Yamaha RX-V4A is the perfect choice for you.

Specifications:

• Brand: Yamaha
• Channels: 5.2
• Inputs/Outputs: 4/1 (HDCP 2.3, HDR10)
• Dolby/DTS: Yes (Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD MA)
• Voice control: Yes (Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri)
• Dimensions: 17 1/8″ x 6 3/4″ x 15″
• Weight: 19.5 lbs
• What’s in the box: Remote Controller

Buying Guide: Things To Consider When Buying 5.1 Receivers

Price

Receivers vary in price ranges. For under $500, it is possible to get a model with several decent features. For approximately $1000, you can get a unit with every feature you can expect.

So you should set a budget and decide what features you want before buying a 5.1 receiver.

Room Correction Systems

These systems enable you to improve sound quality. They use built-in software and microphones to estimate the speaker placement’s effect in your room. Then, they will automatically compensate for that distortion.

Streaming Audio

Many receivers that support streaming services are available. With a more affordable 5.1 receiver, you will have only Bluetooth support in most cases. 

If you do not mind spending a bit more, we suggest choosing a model that supports streaming services.

Number of Sources

You need to connect to all your home HDMI source devices. So, counting them and ensuring that your chosen receiver can fit into that category is essential.

The Number of Channels

Ensure you get the required number of speakers or channels. In all cases, 5.1 speakers feature five speakers, including two rear right and left speakers, two front right and left speakers, and one central.

The more surround speakers you hold, the better your audio output. But remember that the unit’s price will rise when you gain more amplification channels.

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between a 5.1 and 5.2 Receiver?

The 5.1 system is standard. But it may not be enough for a large room, even with one correctly 5.1 AV receiver. If there is much space behind your listening space, you will notice that surround sound might not be as spacious as in a small room.

In this case, you should consider the 5.2 receivers. They are the same as their predecessor but with two subwoofers. 

The rise of subs will dramatically enhance the bass reproduction in all rooms and produce a more dramatic depth in the sound stage.

What Are 5.1 Receivers?

5.1 home theater systems are decent surround sound systems and are the most common. They are systems with five speakers, emitting distinct sounds to produce a perfect setting. 

The 5.1 system includes “5” speakers and “1” subwoofer. Here is how the sound output is distributed to each speaker of this system:

• One subwoofer: It outputs all sounds with frequencies up to 100Hz. 
• Rear Right and left: Ambient sounds
• Front Right and Left: Sounds of all types except bass
• Central: Voice or middle sounds

Is it possible To use a 7.1 receiver with 5.1 speakers?

The answer is Yes. It is possible to utilize a 7.1 receiver with your 5.1 speakers. The receiver should notice your 5.1 receivers operating when setting it up.

Is Denon better than Yamaha?

Denon receivers feature all the necessary features at an affordable price. Meanwhile, Yamaha models will give you many advanced settings and features, such as the usage of AI, which is often found in expensive models.

Stereo Receivers And  AV Receivers: What Is the Difference?

Stereo receivers are audio-only, two-channel amplifiers, including one AM/FM tuner and source switching. If they lack a tuner, they are called integrated amps. 

AV receivers are usually surround sound amplifiers that enable HDMI switching and audio/video playback. Most of them also have onboard tuners. 

If you prefer, it’s possible to use AV receivers simply as stereo amps, and adding as many speakers as you want is alright. So, AV receivers are pretty flexible.

5.1 Surround Sound vs. 7.1 Surround Sound: What Is the Difference?

History

The first theatrical release to use 7.1 surround was Toy Story 3 (2010). Disney seems to want to use it for all of its 3D releases in the future.

Dolby Labs built 5.1 surround sound in 1976. It was first used for a theatrical release for Batman Returns in 1992.

Prices

The 7.1 system is almost always higher than the system in the same class from the same brand. Also, there is a significant difference in prices among different manufacturers.

A 5.1 surround sound system typically ranges from $80 to $1,700, while a 7.1 surround sound system might fall between $265 and thousands of dollars.

Supported Devices

PS3 and most Blu-ray players can support 7.1 sound. Although most games and Blu-ray & DVDs are still made utilizing only 5.1 sound, the number of Blu-ray disks produced with 7.1 sound is increasing.

5.1 is considered the industry standard, which is used by most Blu-ray and DVDs disks, or video games and HDTV. Also, it is the most familiar sound system in the commercial theater.

Formats

7.1 surround sound might be achieved using DTS-HD Master or Dolby TrueHD audio. They are called “lossless audio,” identical to the movie’s original studios.

5.1 sound can be achieved with DTS or Dolby Digital. DTS utilizes less compression but is less familiar than Dolby Digital.

Setup

5.1 sound comes with six sound channels, and so six speakers. It features one subwoofer (for lower frequency effects like explosions), one center speaker, right and left front speakers, and right and left rear speakers.

7.1 sound features eight sound channels, with the same six speakers as above and two extra side speakers, adding more depth to your surround sound experience. So 7.1 surround sound is ideal for a large room.

Comparison Table

	7.1 Surround Sound	5.1 Surround Sound
Supported by	PS3, PS4, most Blu-ray players, AND Xbox One.	All video games, DVDs, etc.
Formats	DTS-HD Master and Dolby TrueHD Audio.	DTS and Dolby Digital.
Cost	It varies but is typically more expensive.	It varies but is usually cheaper.
Sound Quality	Precision and greater depth.	Standard surround sound
Channels	8 (1 subwoofer and 7 standards).	6 (1 subwoofer and 5 standards).
Suitable for	Large rooms.	Small and medium rooms.

The Bottom Line

Have you looked through my list of the top picks for the best 5.1 receiver. Each model is great in its own way, and you need to read my guide carefully to choose the best model from the three:

• YAMAHA RX-V385 – Best For Overall
• Marantz NR1510 – Best For Budget
• Denon AVR-S660H – Best For Performance

Once you’ve chosen something that works for you, let me know your experience in the comments section. I would love to hear the stories of my readers!